Tandoori Chicken Recipe
This Tandoori Chicken recipe features succulent chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and aromatic spices, then cooked using various methods like oven roasting, stovetop grilling, or air frying. Infused with traditional Indian spices such as Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder, this dish delivers a vibrant red color and smoky taste reminiscent of authentic tandoor cooking. Perfectly tender on the inside with a charred exterior, it pairs beautifully with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and naan or saffron rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marination start)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 35 minutes (including overnight marination)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade Part 1
- 2.2 pounds whole chicken legs or thighs, de-skinned and trimmed, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder (or 2–3 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Chicken Marinade Part 2
- 1¼ cup thick plain yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or 2–3 teaspoons for color)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¾ teaspoon black salt (or regular salt)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ cup mustard oil (or vegetable oil of choice)
- Red food color (optional, not used here)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Clean and wash the chicken pieces thoroughly. Make several deep cuts on each piece using a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate deeply.
- Marinade Part 1: In a large bowl, combine ginger garlic paste, Kashmiri red chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat evenly. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Marinade Part 2: In another large bowl, combine thick yogurt, ginger garlic paste, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, black salt, black pepper, cumin powder, and mustard oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Second Marination: After the first marination, transfer the chicken pieces into the second marinade. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 7-8 hours or overnight for best flavor development.
- Rest Before Cooking: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature.
- Oven Roasting (Primary Cooking Method): Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Remove chicken pieces from the marinade and place them on a baking tray or rack. Roast for 25 minutes, then switch to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Stovetop Grilling Option: Heat a pan or grill and grease it lightly with oil. Place the chicken on the grill over medium-high heat, cover it, and flip once during cooking until fully cooked and aromatic.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil or butter. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Air fry for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until charred and cooked through.
- Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle chaat masala over the cooked chicken. Serve hot with yogurt-mint chutney, lemon wedges, and onion rings. Pair with naan bread or saffron rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Making deep cuts in the chicken ensures the marinade penetrates well for more intense flavor.
- Use thick yogurt like hung curd or Greek yogurt for a creamy marinade that clings well.
- Mustard oil adds authentic flavor, but vegetable oil may be used as an alternative.
- Red food coloring is optional and not necessary if using Kashmiri chili powder for color.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust chili powder quantity for preferred spice level.
- For smokier flavor, cook on a charcoal grill or tandoor if available.
Keywords: Tandoori chicken, Indian chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, oven roasted chicken, spicy grilled chicken
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/tandoori-chicken-recipe/